to produce as an effect; bring about; accomplish; make happen: The new machines finally effected the transition to computerized accounting last spring.

Idioms

in effect,

for practical purposes; virtually: His silence was in effect a confirmation of the rumor.

essentially; basically.

operating or functioning; in force: The plan is now in effect.

take effect,

to go into operation; begin to function.

to produce a result: The prescribed medicine failed to take effect.

Origin of effect

1350–1400;Middle English < Latineffectus the carrying out (of a task, etc.), hence, that which is achieved, outcome, equivalent to effec- (variant stem of efficere to make, carry out; ef-ef- + -ficere, combining form of facere to do1) + -tus suffix of v. action

Synonyms

1. outcome, issue. Effect,consequence ( s ), result refer to something produced by an action or a cause. An effect is that which is produced, usually more or less immediately and directly: The effect of morphine is to produce sleep. A consequence, something that follows naturally or logically, as in a train of events or sequence of time, is less intimately connected with its cause than is an effect: Punishment is the consequence of disobedience. A result may be near or remote, and often is the sum of effects or consequences as making an end or final outcome: The English language is the result of the fusion of many different elements.10. achieve, realize, fulfill, perform, consummate.